Patrick Hayes was born in the Five Points section of Manhattan to Daniel Hayes and Mary Gleason.[1] In his own words, Hayes "was born very humble and, I may say, of poor people."[2] Both of his parents were from County Kerry, Ireland, and moved to the United States in 1864.[3] A younger brother, John, was born in 1870. Hayes' mother died in June 1872, and his father later remarried around 1876; a stepsister, Anastasia, was also born that year.[3] At age 15, he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle, who ran a grocery store where Hayes then worked.[3]

The Cardinal opposed Prohibition, backed legislation to limit indecency on the stage, and endorsed unemployment relief during the Great Depression. Commenting on the Depression in 1931, he stated, "The American people are experiencing a return to religion following a period of carelessness and cynicism marked by the prosperity of the land...Now they are returning when they find they are in need of something greater than the material in facing adversity and stress."[2]

After Rev. Charles Coughlin praised the late MayorJimmy Walker in New York, Hayes (who had earlier denounced Walker for his perceived lack of morality) ruled that no ecclesiastical visitor might address a religious gathering without the Cardinal's permission.[10]

Hayes died from a heart attack, caused by coronary thrombosis, in Monticello, at age 70.[13] He was originally interred in a grotto chapel at St. Joseph's camp. When the sisters sold the property he was then interred in the crypt under the altar of St. Patrick's Cathedral.